Słuchowisko a przekład teatralny: Rough for Radio II Samuela Becketta
Radio Drama and Theatrical Translation: A Case of Samuel Beckett’s Rough for Radio II

Summary/Abstract: The article examines the intricacies of theatrical translation with reference to foreignlanguage radio plays. The attempt is to trace the interrelations between elements of translated radio drama on the basis of Samuel Beckett’s Rough for Radio II, its RTÉ Ireland realization (2006) and the Polish translation by Antoni Libera together with his own production of the play for Polish Radio 2 (2009). One of the main aims of this study is to present the potential for analysing a translated work for radio as well as to initiate a discussion on the role of theatrical translation in radio dramatic forms. Firstly, the analysis focuses on the juxtaposition of the English version of Beckett’s play and its Polish translation, which – notably – is based both on the English and French versions. Next, English and Polish radio productions are scrutinized in the light of the script which constitutes their basis. The discussion foregrounds such elements of radio drama as voice, sound effects and the employment of pauses and silences. The final step consists in comparing and contrasting both realizations as overlapping layers of practical instances of theatrical translation originating from Beckett’s text, which as such is also a translation. The analysis reveals intriguing changes and transformations on the way from the original script by Beckett to its rendering in Polish radio. The most visible is Libera’s (translator-director’s) constant wavering in his choices between his own translation and two versions of the Beckett text, which lead to the final radio production becoming a specific manifestation of linguistically and culturally based decisions.

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